UNE Team Ready to Ride

This weekend some of the world’s best mountain bikers will flock to our city for the annual ‘UNE 12 Hours in the Piney’ multi-lap bike ride.

The Armidale State Pine Forest will see some great action, with the event attracting record numbers, according to Peter Hosking, President of New England Mountain Bikers (NEMTB) and Race Director.

“Based on registrations to date we are expecting well over 300 participants in this year’s event. This figure exceeds all other years, and Jason English, the current World Solo 24 Hour Champion is coming back to defend his Men’s Solo title.”

“The ride continues to grow due to the efforts of our club volunteers and the support from our long term sponsors, such as the University of New England (UNE).”

“Attracting such large numbers, indicates the level of event we can host and we look forward to continuing our work with UNE to secure a number of National Mountain Bike Rounds in Armidale,” he said.

“Saying that, it’s not all about elite level sport, the event caters for every rider, with individual, team and junior events.”

“UNE Team participants, Bruce Pain and Trevor Collison are riding with their teenage sons, which is exciting to see. That’s what it’s all about participation and team spirit,” he added.

The money raised from the event is ploughed back in to building tracks and infrastructure, all helping to improve mountain biking in Armidale.